Spruce Up Your Wardrobe On A Budget

“You don’t learn style from watching people on a runway. Fashion happens every morning when you wake up.” –Shalom Harlow.

Let’s admit it—we’ve all found ourselves staring at a pile of clothes thrown onto our bed and wondered why we never have the right outfit to wear. Especially toward the end of a season.

Here’s the good news—finding that “right” outfit might be as simple as adding a simple accessory to what you already have. You may not need an entire new outfit to look like you are at the height of fashion. Sometimes style is all about the details. Here are a few “details” you might want to consider if your wardrobe is suffering from the winter doldrums. Add a little life, color and pizzazz with these:

Statement Sunglasses: Sunglasses were heading down spring runways in all shapes, sizes and colors. There’s no sense paying a fortune for a pair of statement sunglasses, especially if you’re one to misplace your shades quite easily. Shop in the junior section at your favorite department store for low-priced sunglasses or check out discount stores like Kohl’s, Marshall’s and Nordstrom Rack.

Skinny Belts: Add a pop of color to your basic black and white outfits. Look for embellishments like toggle hooks, animal prints and studs to spice things up. They’ll look great with jeans or skirts and give sweaters or shirtdresses a more tailored look.

Booties: A pair of booties is the perfect way to transition from winter to spring. They’re great with jeans, tights or barelegged. Best of all, you can score a pair at winter closeout sales, but they’ll still look great with a summer dress. Check out the clearance section at DSW.

Emerald Anything: Pantone has spoken! Emerald is the 2013 color of the year. We’re a fan of the Emerald City-inspired jewelry sold at BaubleBar.com. Sign up for their newsletter and you’ll get $10 towards your first order.

Pantone’s runner-up colors of spring include African violet, Monaco blue, poppy red, and nectarine. Nail polish is a good way to try a new hue without investing in a new item of clothing. Save $3.50 at Ulta.com.